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My Brother
The screenshot comes from a news story about a house in Grand Rapids that exploded at two in the morning on the 9th. Brian and his wife Wendy live across the street. Here’s the part of the story that gets me. “Hines ran to the scene of the fire within a minute of hearing the explosion…” He tried to kick in the front door.1 When that failed, he and Wendy went around to find another way in. They got another door cracked open, enough to see that the floor inside was gone and the flames were spreading far too fast, and they had to get out of there. Two in the morning. Within a minute, maybe two, he was across the street, yelling to one person to call 911 and trying to see if the man who lived there was still alive.2 Because that’s just who he is. It’s instinctive. I can’t say I’m completely thrilled at the idea of them running toward the burning house. I’m glad he and Wendy assessed the situation and got away when they realized there was no way to get inside, but still … the explosion shook the house off its foundation. Not to mention the smoke, and how quickly fire can spread. But when something like this happens — and this isn’t the first time he’s found himself in the middle of this kind of crisis — his first instinct is to help. I think the world would be a much better place if we had more people like them. So, yeah. That’s my little brother. He’s a good guy, and I’m proud of him. ETA: Originally I left Wendy’s name out of this post, as she was not mentioned in the news story and I wasn’t sure how much they wanted shared. I’ve updated the post based on my brother’s comment, “Jim, we appreciate your concern for our privacy immensely, but it’s okay, we both agreed privacy was kind of irrelevant at this point. Besides, equal contribution, equal credit. She’s awesome and went right through that door with me, no questions asked.” So there you go. My awesome brother and his equally awesome wife Wendy. — 13 comments to My Brother |
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Copyright © 2012 Jim C. Hines - All Rights Reserved |
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This is my brother Brian. If you’ve been to one of my Grand Rapids signings, you might recognize him.
WOW. He’s got good instincts your brother. I wouldn’t be too thrilled about my little brother running toward a burning house either but still… wow.
A successful suicide. Sad
“I wouldn’t be too thrilled about my little brother running toward a burning house either…”
Yeah, I’m proud of him, but I had mixed feelings about that part.
Sad about the suicide, and a dangerous manner in which to end one’s life. But brave of your brother to want to help. That’s one of those scenarios I think about sometimes — what would I really do if confronted with a situation where I would have to put my life in danger for someone else? I know how I’d react if it were my kids, but for anyone else … when I’m being honest with myself I have to admit I’m not sure. I have a pretty strong survival instinct.
It’s … there are times when I believe suicide might be a reasonable option, but mostly it pisses me off, especially in a situation like this. I know this person was mentally ill, and I know he had problems, but when you risk so many other people’s lives like that…
I don’t know what I’d do. I can say what I want to believe, but without actually being in that situation, I don’t think there’s any way to know for certain.
I have to agree, Jim. There are less destructive and “selfish” (I don’t like to use that word for this) ways to do so.
But your brother sounds like he’s a great man, and I’m glad he was unharmed in his bravery as many aren’t so lucky.
I understand your mixed feelings, because I know my husband would do the same. On the one hand I’m proud that he’s like that, on the other terrified that he’s like that.
A successful suicide? Wow. It seems like there might be easier ways than blowing up your house.
Easier ways, and ways that didn’t put everyone around you at risk.
Glad Brian is okay. Hugs.
You and me both! Thanks.
Obligatory “Oh hey, I’m from GR” post.
Danger or no, good on your brother to get in there and try to help. I’d be proud of him, too.
Your bro rocks. I’ve thankfully never been in such a situation, but I hope I could respond with half as much heroism as he did.
A fitting writeup and I completely agree.
Oh, and you forgot the word “heroes”.
Heroes are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. You have a lot to be thankful for, and proud of, with the wonderful people you call brother and sister-in-law. This speaks volumes of your family. I hope that if I am ever in a situation that calls for quick thinking and bravery, I perform half as well. I know they are also in a quasi-grieving situation for their neighbor because they couldn’t help, but they need to take pride in their quick actions. God Bless you all.